Man Convicted of Retail Theft While Awaiting Hit-and-Run Trial
URGENT UPDATE: Marvin Anthony Wicker, a man implicated in a tragic hit-and-run that killed a teenage girl, was convicted of retail theft in Montgomery County today. The jury delivered the verdict on Wicker’s 41st birthday, as he awaits trial for the fatal incident.
In a swift one-day trial, the jury found Wicker guilty of stealing merchandise from a Target store in Plymouth Township. The thefts occurred on July 1 and July 8, 2024, when he was caught on surveillance cameras stealing Apple AirTags. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before reaching a decision.
During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Paul Pruitt presented compelling evidence, including clear video footage of Wicker’s actions. After the verdict, Pruitt expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision, stating, “It was all recorded, it was all there for them to see.”
Judge Wendy G. Rothstein presided over the case and has deferred sentencing, which is expected to take place in the next 30 days. Under state guidelines, Wicker faces a range of penalties from probation to several months in jail. Pruitt emphasized the seriousness of retail theft, noting its potential to drive up consumer prices and endanger loss prevention officers.
However, Wicker’s legal troubles are far from over. He is also facing charges in Philadelphia for homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death, and involuntary manslaughter due to a hit-and-run incident on September 26, 2024. In that case, Wicker allegedly struck and killed 14-year-old Dawn Watson as she crossed the road with her mother in West Philadelphia.
Authorities report that Wicker fled the scene in a Mercedes sedan and was apprehended about two weeks later by the U.S. Marshals Service. As he was escorted out of the courtroom today, Wicker declined to comment on the vehicular homicide charges.
In addition to these serious allegations, Wicker is also facing pending charges for DUI and careless driving linked to a traffic stop on July 10, 2024. During that stop, police observed Wicker driving at a high speed on East Lancaster Avenue, where the speed limit is 25 mph. The incident raised further concerns as a blood test revealed traces of marijuana in his system.
Wicker remains in custody at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility until his next hearing. With multiple serious charges against him, the community remains on edge as further developments unfold in his legal battles. The impact of these events resonates deeply, affecting not only the families involved but also the broader community’s sense of safety and justice.
Stay tuned for further updates as this case progresses.
